Samara Karoo Reserve, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape's Great Karoo region, has opened the doors of its re-imagined Karoo Lodge. Closed for seven months for extensive renovations, Samara’s flagship lodge, a restored farmhouse, re-opened just ahead of the festive season.

“The redesign pays homage to this special region we call home. A great deal of love and hard work has gone into retaining the lodge’s quintessential Karoo character while embracing a modern approach to safari living,” said Sarah Tompkins of Samara.

The newly renovated Karoo Lodge has expanded and upgraded its facilities. The new living, dining, and learning spaces include a dining room, library, farm-style kitchen, Spekboom-filled courtyard, wine cellar, bar, gift shop, and interactive Story Room showcasing Samara’s past, present, and future.

Karoo Lodge now sleeps up to 24 guests across 10 standalone suites located in the lodge grounds – eight Karoo Suites each sleep two guests and two Karoo Family Suites each sleep four guests. All suites have been positioned to overlook the mountain landscape.

In the suites, locally-forged metal four-poster beds are adorned with cushions hand-embroidered with indigenous plants, whilst local artisans have fashioned stone walls into outdoor showers in the Karoo vernacular.

Karoo Lodge is also now powered by 100% renewable energy and makes use of innovative wastewater recycling systems.

Samara accommodates guests in three intimate lodges. As well as Karoo Lodge, guests can opt for Plains Camp, a recently opened ‘explorer-style’ eco-tented camp sleeping eight with a focus on walking safaris, or The Manor, a contemporary villa sleeping eight on an exclusive-use basis.

Accompanied by expert guides and trackers, guests can explore the 27 114ha reserve by vehicle or on foot. Guests may take in sightings of the Big Five, cheetah tracking on foot, a fossil tour, conservation activities and sleeping out under the stars.